How to Select the Best Fishing Shirts

As any seasoned angler knows, the right gear is what makes the difference between a day on the water that feels like work and a day to remember. One of the most critical pieces of fishing apparel is a quality shirt, which protects from sun, wind and rain while keeping you flexible and comfortable on the water. Whether you’re looking for a UV protection long or short sleeve shirt or just a casual t-shirt, there are many options to consider when selecting the right fishing shirt.

The Fabric of Your Fishing Shirt

Cotton shirts have long been left in the dust by their synthetic counterparts. Performance fabrics such as polyester wick moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry even when it’s hot out on the water. These modern materials are also resistant to fading from UV rays and can be printed with your own custom designs.

Breathability is another important feature to consider when shopping for a fishing shirt. A fishing shirt with mesh vents will help you stay comfortable from sunrise to sunset on the water, especially if you’re in a humid climate. It’s crucial to find a shirt with small enough mesh vents so that you don’t get cold, but large enough to allow air to flow through and reduce sweat buildup on your body.

A high-quality fishing shirt is also designed to be durable, with a fabric blend that resists shrinkage and deformation. You’ll also want to look for a shirt with stain-resistant properties. Between slime and dirt from the bait to blood and guts from cleaning your catch, fishing is a messy sport that can quickly trash a shirt. Choosing a shirt that can stand up to these conditions will ensure that it lasts longer and looks fresher longer.

Finally, a good fishing shirt should have a soft feel. Nothing will irritate your neck and arms more than a stiff, scratchy tag sticking into your skin for hours on end. Many performance fishing shirts have no tags at all, while others will have them heat-sealed onto the back of the shirt so that they won’t itch.

A Quality Guarantee

Buying a shirt is a big investment, so it’s important to choose one that comes with a guarantee. The type of guarantee will vary, but it typically includes a money-back promise or a replacement guarantee. The money-back guarantee means that the retailer will take the shirt back within a certain number of days if you’re not happy with it. The replacement guarantee, on the other hand, will replace the shirt if it has any defects or is defective.